The “Ancient Paths, Modern Voices” festival, which ran for three weeks at Carnegie Hall and celebrated Chinese culture, came to an end last night with a performance by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra under the leadership of maestro Long Yu. The highlight for many was a guest appearance by Chinese piano prodigy Lang Lang, who performed Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. At 27 years old, with boyish charm and an exaggerated playing style (think big, swooping arm motions), Lang Lang has become a rock star for the classical set (though his showy style has its critics). In China he performs to sold-out stadiums.

After the concert, a reception was held in the hall’s Rohatyn room, and when Lang Lang entered, dressed in dark pants and a sport coat, the customary flash bulbs popped and mouths gaped. Introduced by Carnegie Hall’s artistic director, Sir Clive Gillinson, Lang Lang gave a few brief remarks (“a great pleasure,” “my favorite hall,” etc) before posing for pictures.

Speakeasy talked with “the two divas,” as one attendee described the Chinese opera singers who were featured in the concert’s second half. They performed a piece by composer Chen Qigang that mixed eastern and western elements and was meant to represent the nine moods of a woman. The singers wore traditional costumes.

Xiao Duo, who sings with the China National Opera House in Beijing, said the vocal part is so difficult that few singers can carry it off. Duo was asked her favorite mood to sing. “The lust one,” she said. “I’m a romantic person.”

Lang Lang made a hasty exit but before he left he was asked what he prefers when not listening to classical music. “Growing up, I listened to Chinese folk, Chinese pop and classical,” he said. “Also, a little bit of Elvis and Michael Jackson. Now I listen to Justin Timberlake, opera music and Kanye West.”

The pianist lived for 12 years in Philadelphia, but last year moved to New York. The rock star role seems to be coming easy to him. Asked how he spends his free time in the city, he said, “at the pubs in the evening. I party.”

About Speakeasy

Speakeasy is a blog covering media, entertainment, celebrity and the arts. The publication is produced by Barbara Chai and Jonathan Welsh with contributions from the Wall Street Journal staff and others. Write to us at speakeasy@wsj.com or follow us on Twitter at @WSJSpeakeasy or individually @barbarachai.